Shoe donning assist device

ABSTRACT

A shoe donning device can be formed as an insert that is placed into the shoe and remains inside of the shoe while the user wears the shoe. The device can include a contoured upper portion that defines a hooked region configured for positioning around the top of the shoe heel collar. Extending downward from the contoured upper portion is a neck portion. The neck transitions into a foot plate portion or horizontal base. A lower heel-to-sole transition region between the neck portion and foot plate portion follows the shape of the user&#39;s shoe and contours of the user&#39;s foot.

PRIORITY

This Application claims priority to and the benefit of U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 62/783,031, filed Dec. 20, 2018, which is incorporated fully herein by reference.

FIELD

The present invention relates to dressing aids and, more particularly, to a leave-in shoe device for assisting persons with donning their shoes.

BACKGROUND

Many people have difficulty putting their shoes on without the help of others. For example, a person may have a handicap, whether permanent or temporary, that makes donning their shoes difficult or impossible. And some people just prefer to slip on their shoes without having to untie or tie laces.

Tools such as the common shoe horn help people put their shoes on and take them off. However, it is inconvenient to carry such a device around or keep it in a handy place. Further, shoe horns cannot be kept in a shoe because they are shaped incorrectly for such use and it would be uncomfortable or even dangerous to attempt to do so. Thus, use of a shoe horn is inconvenient and still requires a certain amount of flexibility and ability to reach the foot to remove the horn from the shoe once the user's foot is placed in the shoe.

Consequently, there is a continuing need to provide an improved shoe donning device.

SUMMARY

The device of the present invention addresses the deficiencies noted previously by providing a shoe donning insert device that can be kept in the shoe at all times. The shoe donning device provides an insert that is placed into the shoe and remains inside of the shoe while the user wears the shoe. The device can comprise a contoured upper portion that defines a hooked region around the top of the shoe heel collar or counter. A neck portion extends downward from the contoured upper portion. The neck portion transitions into a foot plate portion or horizontal base portion. A heel-to-sole transition region is provided between the neck portion and the foot plate portion and follows the shape of the user's shoe and the various contours of the user's foot.

A user places the foot plate portion of the device under the insole of the shoe such that the hooked region extends away and over the back collar of the shoe. The user inserts their foot into the shoe in a conventional manner such that their heel contacts the upper portion of the device. The heel and Achilles region of the user's foot 10 to slide downward from the upper portion 102 and along the contoured neck portion 106 until fully seated in the shoe 20, at the foot plate portion 110. The completed foot 10 insertion in the shoe 20 is shown in FIGS. 13-14. The same process is repeated for the user's other shoe 20.

The above summary is not intended to limit the scope of the invention, or describe each embodiment, aspect, implementation, feature or advantage of the invention. The detailed technology and preferred embodiments for the subject invention are described in the following paragraphs accompanying the appended drawings for people skilled in this field to well appreciate the features of the claimed invention. It is understood that the features mentioned hereinbefore and those to be commented on hereinafter may be used not only in the specified combinations, but also in other combinations or in isolation, without departing from the scope of the present invention.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIGS. 1-3 are perspective views of a shoe donning device according to certain embodiments of the present invention.

FIG. 4 is a first side view of the shoe donning device of FIG. 1.

FIG. 5 is a second side view of the shoe donning device of FIG. 1.

FIG. 6 is a front view of the shoe donning device of FIG. 1.

FIG. 7 is a back view of the shoe donning device of FIG. 1.

FIG. 8 is a top view of the shoe donning device of FIG. 1.

FIG. 9 is a bottom view of the shoe donning device of FIG. 1.

FIG. 10 shows the shoe donning device of FIG. 1 placed in a shoe, with the shoe insole removed, according to certain embodiments of the present invention.

FIG. 11 shows the shoe donning device of FIG. 1 placed in a shoe, after the insole has been put back in the shoe, according to certain embodiments of the present invention.

FIG. 12 shows the shoe donning device of FIG. 1 placed in a shoe and the insertion of a user's foot into the shoe such that the user's heel is contacting the upper portion of the donning device, according to certain embodiments of the present invention.

FIG. 13 shows the shoe donning device of FIG. 1 placed in a shoe, with the user's foot fully inserted into the shoe, according to certain embodiments of the present invention.

FIG. 14 shows the shoe donning device of FIG. 1 placed in a shoe, with the user's foot fully inserted into the shoe, according to certain embodiments of the present invention.

While the invention is amenable to various modifications and alternative forms, specifics thereof have been shown by way of example in the drawings and will be described in detail. It should be understood, however, that the intention is not to limit the invention to the particular example embodiments described. On the contrary, the invention is to cover all modifications, equivalents, and alternatives falling within the scope of the invention as defined by the appended claims.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

In the following descriptions, the present invention will be explained with reference to various example embodiments; nevertheless, these embodiments are not intended to limit the present invention to any specific example, environment, application, or particular implementation described herein. Therefore, descriptions of these example embodiments are only provided for purpose of illustration rather than to limit the present invention. The various features or aspects discussed herein can also be combined in additional combinations and embodiments, whether or not explicitly discussed herein, without departing from the scope of the invention.

Dimensions and relative proportions of components are merely example embodiments and can be varied unless specifically limited in a given claim. Thus, the dimensions can be varied without departing from the scope of the invention.

Referring to FIGS. 1-9, the shoe donning device 100 of the present invention includes body having a contoured upper portion 102, a central neck portion 106, and a foot plate portion 110. The device 100 can be formed as a single unitary body and without seams. For example, the body can be molded of a rigid or semi-rigid polymer material in an injection molding operation. A single material can be used for the molding. In other embodiments, a second material can be over-molded to give different flexure properties to different portions of the body.

Starting at the uppermost portion of the device body as shown in the figures, the body defines a contoured upper portion 102. This upper portion 102 also defines a hooked region 104 that can curve around the top of the user's shoe heel collar or counter 22 to create a ramp or solid surface to transition the foot 10 into the shoe 20. The upper portion 102 is convex and curved such that a center line CL defines the highest or peak point of the curve and the curve slopes downward in either lateral direction (e.g., front to back of the device 100), as depicted in FIGS. 4-5. The front curved surface of the upper portion 102, opposite the hooked region 104, provides the surface to assist in the transition of the user's heel 12 into the neck portion 106. The contoured upper portion 102 also protects and maintains the heel counter 22 of the shoe 20 and allows an unobstructed entry of the user's foot into the shoe 20.

Extending generally vertically downward from the contoured upper portion 102 is the neck portion 106. An upper transition region 105 is defined between the upper portion 102 and the neck portion 106. The neck portion 106 has a generally concave curvature that contours strategic points of the user's foot 10 to achieve ideal placement and position hold. In particular, the neck portion 106 has a curved narrowed center portion 108 that provides the vertical rise of the device body—e.g., an hourglass-type shape (e.g., FIGS. 6-7). This shape allows the user's foot 10 to engage the inner heel portion of the shoe 20 while transitioning the user's Achilles region to provide unobstructed movement of the user's foot 10 during ambulation so that a normal gait is maintained.

The neck portion 106 transitions along a lower transition region 109 to the foot plate portion 110. This heel-to-sole transition region 109 between the neck portion 106 and the foot plate portion 110 conforms to the inner shape of the user's shoe 20 and the contours of the user's foot 10 to create a comfortable and natural fit to avoid creating a sense of abnormality when the user is wearing and walking in their shoe 20 with the device 100 in place. The transition portion 109 can include a gradual curved surface and perimeter margins 114 to facilitate seating of the user's foot 10 within the device 100. The perimeter margins 114 angle or taper down in the direction of the end of the foot plate portion 110, as best seen in FIGS. 4-5.

The foot plate portion 110 defines a horizontally extending plate or base 112 that is placed under the insole 24 of the user's shoe 20. The foot plate 110 provides sufficient flexibility to allow ideal ambulation with enough rigidity to provide a balanced entry that maintains the heel counter 22.

Referring to FIGS. 10-14, the shoe donning device 100 is shown in use. The user first removes the insole 24 of their shoe 20 and places the foot plate portion 110 of the device 100 against the bottom of the inside of the shoe 20, as depicted in FIG. 10. The neck portion 106 contacts the rear inside surface of the shoe 20 such that the hook portion 104 of the upper portion 102 curves over the heel counter 22 or rear collar of the shoe 20.

The user then places the insole 24 back into the shoe 20, as shown in FIG. 11. The shoe 20 is now ready for the user's foot 10. The user inserts their foot 10 into the shoe 20 in a conventional manner and their heel 12 will contact the upper portion 102 of the donning device 100, as shown in FIG. 12. Continued downward thrust on the foot 10 will cause the heel 12 and Achilles region of the user's foot 10 to slide downward from the upper portion 102 and along the contoured neck portion 106 until fully seated in the shoe 20, at the foot plate portion 110. The completed foot 10 insertion in the shoe 20 is shown in FIGS. 13-14. The same process is repeated for the user's other shoe 20.

The shoe donning device 100 of the present invention is intended to be left in place in the user's shoe 20 while the shoe 20 is worn, including during activities such as walking. However, the device 100 can be easily removed, if desired, since the device 100 is not permanently secured to the inside of the shoe 20. In other embodiments, however, the device 100 can be adhered or otherwise secured or attached to the shoe 20.

The dimensions of the foot plate 110, the height of the neck portion 106, and the extent and shapes of the device contours can be varied to accommodate different styles and sizes of shoes. For example, an array of device 100 sizes and styles can be provided to accommodate a range of sizes and styles of shoes, including athletic, orthopedic, and casual shoes. A size/style chart can be provided to the user so that a correct size and device 100 type can be selected.

The donning device 100 allows the user to easily put their shoes 20 on without compromising the structural integrity of the shoe. This enhances the independence and self-sufficiency of users in populations with certain mobility or dexterity limitations. The user is no longer limited by their inability to reach their foot 10 and apply the bending and twisting motions required by traditional shoe horns.

While the invention has been described in connection with what is presently considered to be the most practical and preferred example embodiments, it will be apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art that the invention is not to be limited to the disclosed example embodiments. It will be readily apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art that many modifications and equivalent arrangements can be made thereof without departing from the spirit and scope of the present disclosure, such scope to be accorded the broadest interpretation of the appended claims so as to encompass all equivalent structures and products.

For purposes of interpreting the claims for the present invention, it is expressly intended that the provisions of Section 112, sixth paragraph of 35 U.S.C. are not to be invoked unless the specific terms “means for” or “step for” are recited in a claim. 

What is claimed is:
 1. A leave-in shoe donning device, comprising: a curved upper portion including a downwardly extending rear hook portion configured to overlap a shoe heel collar; a concave central neck portion; and a foot plate portion having a base portion extending transverse from the concave central neck portion and configured to at least partially insert under a shoe insole.
 2. The device of claim 1, wherein the curved upper portion includes an inside area sloping downwardly in a direction opposite the extending rear hook portion.
 3. The device of claim 1, further including a concave upper transition portion extending between the curved upper portion and the concave central neck portion.
 4. The device of claim 1, wherein the concave central neck portion includes a narrowed section that is narrower than the curved upper portion and the foot plate portion.
 5. The device of claim 4, wherein the narrowed section is generally hourglass-shaped.
 6. The device of claim 1, further including a concave lower transition portion extending between the concave central neck portion and the foot plate portion.
 7. The device of claim 6, wherein the concave lower transition portion widens relative to the concave central neck portion.
 8. The device of claim 7, wherein the concave lower transition portion includes upwardly extending perimeter margins.
 9. The device of claim 1, wherein the curved upper portion includes a convex peak portion.
 10. A leave-in shoe donning device, comprising: a curved upper portion including a downwardly extending rear hook portion configured to overlap a shoe collar; a concave central neck portion; a lower transition portion extending between the concave central neck portion and the foot plate portion; and a foot plate portion having a base portion extending transverse from the concave central neck portion, with the base portion being wider than the concave central neck portion and configured to at least partially insert under a shoe insole.
 11. The device of claim 10, wherein the curved upper portion includes an inside surface sloping downwardly in a direction opposite the extending rear hook portion.
 12. The device of claim 10, further including a concave upper transition portion extending between the curved upper portion and the concave central neck portion.
 13. The device of claim 12, wherein the concave upper transition extends forward toward the foot plate portion, beyond the concave central neck portion.
 14. The device of claim 10, wherein the concave central neck portion includes a narrowed section that is narrower than the curved upper portion and the foot plate portion.
 15. The device of claim 14, wherein the narrowed section is generally hourglass-shaped.
 16. The device of claim 10, wherein the lower transition portion widens relative to the concave central neck portion.
 17. The device of claim 10, wherein the concave lower transition portion includes upwardly extending perimeter margins.
 18. The device of claim 17, wherein the upwardly extending perimeter margins angle down toward the foot plate portion.
 19. The device of claim 10, wherein the curved upper portion includes a convex peak portion.
 20. The device of claim 10, wherein the curved upper portion, the concave central neck portion, the lower transition portion, and the foot plate portion are integrally molded. 